Electronic systems and electronic devices

ABSTRACT

An electronic system electronic device includes: an internal battery, an external battery, a memory and a plurality of function modules. The internal battery is configured to generate a first power signal. The external battery is detachably attached to the electronic device, the external battery configured to generate a second power signal. The memory is configured to operate based on the first power signal. The plurality of function modules are configured to operate based on the second power signal.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(a) to KoreanPatent Application No. 10-2015-0161048, filed on Nov. 17, 2015, in theKorean Intellectual Property Office (KIPO), the disclosure of which isincorporated herein in its entirety by reference.

BACKGROUND

1. Field

Example embodiments of inventive concepts relate to electronic systemsand/or electronic devices, which include memory.

2. Description of Related Art

Recently, mobile electronic devices such as computers, tablet personalcomputers (PCs), smartphones, or wearable electronic devices haveadvanced in functionality and become more compact in size. Accordingly,there is a demand for increasing a capacity of a battery that suppliespower to the mobile electronic device for a longer duration, andslimming the battery down such that the battery is lighter in weight andmore portable.

An internal battery embedded in an electronic device is relatively smalland may relatively stable supply power to the electronic device.However, if the battery becomes obsolete, it may be inconvenient toreplace the battery in the electronic device. An external battery thatis detachably attached to an electronic device may be more easilyreplaced. However, since the external battery may unintentionallyseparate from the electronic device by falling off, or an external shockto the electronic device, a sudden power-off may occur in the electronicdevice.

SUMMARY

Example embodiments of inventive concepts provide electronic systems andelectronic devices, which may suppress and/or prevent data loss andnormally operate, even if an external battery is separated from anelectronic system, and/or the electronic device is discharged.

According to an example embodiment of inventive concepts, there isprovided an electronic device including: an internal battery configuredto generate a first power signal; an external battery detachablyattached to the electronic device, the external battery configured togenerate a second power signal; a memory configured to operate based onthe first power signal; and a plurality of function modules configuredto operate based on the second power signal.

According to another example embodiment of inventive concepts, there isprovided an electronic system, comprising, a memory configured toreceive a first power signal generated by an internal battery embeddedin the electronic device, and store data; and a plurality of functionmodules configured to operate based on a second power signal, the secondpower signal generated by an external battery, the external batteryconfigured to be separated from the electronic device, wherein, thememory and at least one function module of the plurality of functionmodules are configured to operate based on the first power signal if theexternal battery is discharged or separated from the electronic device.

According to another example embodiment of inventive concepts, there isprovided an electronic device, comprising: a removable first powersupply configured to supply power to the electronic device when theelectronic device operates in a first power mode; an internal secondpower supply configured to supply power to the electronic device whenthe electronic device operates in the first power mode and a secondpower mode; and one or more processors configured to execute computerreadable instructions to switch the electronic device from the firstpower mode to the second power mode in response to (i) interruption ofthe power supply from the removable first power supply to the electronicdevice, or (ii) detecting that the charge of the removable first powersupply has fallen below a threshold value; wherein the operatingfrequency of the second power mode is less than the operating frequencyof the first power mode.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Example embodiments of inventive concepts will be more clearlyunderstood from the following detailed description taken in conjunctionwith the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an electronic device according to anexample embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a flowchart of a method of operating an electronic systemaccording to an example embodiment;

FIG. 3 is a flowchart of a method of operating an electronic systemaccording to another example embodiment;

FIG. 4 is a flowchart of a method of determining a remaining charge ofan internal battery according to an example embodiment;

FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate block diagrams for charging an internalbattery by an external battery according to an example embodiment;

FIG. 5C is a graph showing example voltage levels of the internalbattery and the external battery;

FIGS. 6A and 6B are block diagrams for showing the electronic device andexample operation of the electronic device, according to an exampleembodiment;

FIG. 7 is a block diagram of an electronic device according to anotherexample embodiment;

FIG. 8 is a flowchart of an example embodiment of a power control methodof an electronic system included in the electronic device shown in FIG.7;

FIGS. 9A and 9B are block diagrams for showing example operation of theelectronic device shown in FIG. 7;

FIG. 10 is a flowchart of a method of operating the electronic system,according to an example embodiment;

FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing an example embodiment of a mobileelectronic device according to an example embodiment;

FIG. 12 illustrates a diagram showing an internet of things (IoT)network system according to example embodiments;

FIG. 13 illustrates a structural hardware (HW) map of an IoT deviceaccording to an example embodiment;

FIG. 14 illustrates a conceptual diagram of a HW structure and asoftware (SW) structure of the IoT device according to an exampleembodiment; and

FIG. 15 illustrates a conceptual diagram showing a wearable IoT deviceand various services that are provided by a service system and employthe wearable IoT device, according to an example embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

According to example embodiments, an electronic system may be equippedin a mobile electronic device. For example, a mobile electronic devicemay include at least one selected from the group consisting of asmartphone, a tablet personal computer (PC), a mobile phone, a videophone, an e-book reader, a desktop PC, a laptop PC, a netbook computer,a personal digital assistant (PDA), a portable multimedia player (PMP),a moving pictures expert group audio layer 3 (MP3) player, a mobilemedical device, a camera, and a wearable device (for example, ahead-mounted device (HMD) such as electronic glasses, electronicclothes, an electronic bracelet, an electronic necklace, an electronicaccessory, an electronic tattoo, a smart watch, and/or the like).

As is traditional in the field of the inventive concepts, embodimentsare described, and illustrated in the drawings, in terms of functionalblocks, units and/or modules. Those skilled in the art will appreciatethat these blocks, units and/or modules are physically implemented byelectronic (or optical) circuits such as logic circuits, discretecomponents, microprocessors, hard-wired circuits, memory elements,wiring connections, and the like, which may be formed usingsemiconductor-based fabrication techniques or other manufacturingtechnologies. In the case of the blocks, units and/or modules beingimplemented by microprocessors or similar, they may be programmed usingsoftware (e.g., microcode) to perform various functions discussed hereinand may optionally be driven by firmware and/or software. Alternatively,each block, unit and/or module may be implemented by dedicated hardware,or as a combination of dedicated hardware to perform some functions anda processor (e.g., one or more programmed microprocessors and associatedcircuitry) to perform other functions. Also, each block, unit and/ormodule of the embodiments may be physically separated into two or moreinteracting and discrete blocks, units and/or modules without departingfrom the scope of the inventive concepts. Further, the blocks, unitsand/or modules of the embodiments may be physically combined into morecomplex blocks, units and/or modules without departing from the scope ofthe inventive concepts.

Hereinafter, according to one or more example embodiments, an electronicsystem and an electronic device will be described in detail withreference to the accompanying drawings. The term, ‘user’ may refer to aperson who uses an electronic system, or a device that uses theelectronic system (for example, an artificial intelligence (AI)electronic device).

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an electronic device 100 according to anexample embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 1, the electronic device 100 may include a system 110for performing a function of the electronic device 100, and a powersupplier 120 for supplying power to the system 110.

The system 110 may include a controller 111, a memory 112, and aplurality of function modules 113 and 114.

The controller 111 may control for example all operations of theelectronic device 100 and perform a power control function. Thecontroller 111 may control other elements of the electronic device 100,such as the memory 112 and the plurality of function modules 113 and114, by driving an operating system and/or an application program.Additionally, the controller 111 may perform various processing andoperations on various data such as multimedia data.

The controller 111 may be a processor, an application processor, amultimedia processor, an integrated multimedia processor, and/or thelike, and may be implemented as an integrated circuit (IC) and/or asystem-on-chip (SoC).

Still referring to FIG. 1, the memory 112 may store data such as acontrol command code, control data, or the like, which is needed tooperate the electronic device 100, and/or user data. The memory 112 mayinclude at least one selected from the group including a volatile memoryand a non-volatile memory. The volatile memory, for example, may includeat least one selected from various memories such as, but not limited to,dynamic random access memory (DRAM), static RAM (SRAM), synchronous DRAM(SDRAM), phase-change RAM (PRAM), magnetic RAM (MRAM), resistive RAM(RRAM), ferroelectric RAM (FeRAM), and the like. The non-volatilememory, for example, may include at least one selected from variousmemories such as read only memory (ROM), programmable ROM (PROM),electrically programmable ROM (EPROM), electrically erasable andprogrammable ROM (EEPROM), flash memory, PRAM, MRAM, RRAM, FeRAM, andthe like. Additionally, the non-volatile memory, for example, mayinclude at least one selected from non-volatile memory devices such as asolid-state disk (SSD), an embedded multimedia card (eMMC), and auniversal flash storage (UFS).

The plurality of function modules 113 and 114 are independent elementsperforming particular functions from among various functions of theelectronic device 100. According to example embodiments, a functionmodule may refer to either (i) hardware (or a hardware component)configured to perform a particular function and/or operation, (ii) asoftware (or a software component) for performing a particular functionand/or operation upon execution by a processor, and/or, (iii) anelectronic recording medium (e.g., a central processing unit (CPU), acompact disc (CD), a flash drive, etc.) in which a computer program codeis installed. The electronic recording medium may perform a particularfunction and/or operation upon execution of the computer program code bythe processor. However, the plurality of function modules 113 and 114 isnot limited thereto, and may refer to hardware or a functional and/orstructural combination of software for driving hardware.

For example, the plurality of functional modules 113 and 114 may includea communication module, an input/output module, a display module, aninterface, a sensor module, an audio module, a camera module, or thelike. Additionally, a sub-module included in the communication module,the input/output module, the display module, the interface, the sensormodule, the audio module, the camera module, or the like, may bereferred to as one of the plurality of function modules 113 and 114. Forexample, a module included in the audio module such as including but notlimited to a speaker, a receiver, an earphone, a microphone, or thelike; a cellular module included in the communication module (e.g., along-range communication module such as a long-term evolution (LTE)module, a code division multiple access (CDMA) module, or the like); awireless fidelity (Wi-Fi) module; a Bluetooth module; a near fieldcommunication (NFC) module, or the like may be referred to as one of theplurality of function modules 113 and 114.

According to an example embodiment, the controller 111 and the memory112 may also be referred to as one of the plurality of modules 113 and114. FIG. 1 shows two function modules 113 and 114. However, exampleembodiments are not limited thereto, and a number and type of theplurality of function modules 113 and 114 may vary depending on thefunctions performed by the electronic device 100.

Still referring to FIG. 1, the power supplier 120 may include aninternal battery 121 (i.e., an internal power supply) and an externalbattery 122 (i.e., a removable power supply). The internal battery 121is a battery that may be embedded into the electronic device 100, andthus, may not be easily attached to and/or detached from the electronicdevice 100. For example, the internal battery 121, together with thesystem 110, may be built in a housing of the electronic device 100.According to an example embodiment, the internal battery 121 may beequipped on a main board, in which the system 110 is equipped, or aprinted circuit board (PCB), and/or directly connected to the main boardor the PCB.

The external battery 122 is a battery that may be more easily attachedto and/or detached from the electronic device 100, and may be equippedoutside the housing of the electronic device 100. According to anexample embodiment, the external battery 122 may be electricallyconnected to the system 110 via a socket included in the housing.

According to an example embodiment, the external battery 122 is a mainpower supply to the electronic device 100, and the internal battery 121may operate as an auxiliary power supply to the electronic device 100. Acapacity of the internal battery 121 may be less than a capacity of theexternal battery 122.

According to an example embodiment, the internal battery 121 suppliespower to the memory 112, or one or more function blocks that include thememory 112. The external battery 122 may supply power to the system 110or function blocks that do not receive power from the internal battery121, from among function blocks included in the system 110.

According to an example embodiment, the internal battery 121 may supplypower to the memory 112, and the external battery 122 may supply powerto function modules other than the memory 112. The function modulesincluded in the system 110, for example, the controller 111 and theplurality of function modules 113 and 114.

According to an example embodiment, the internal battery 121 may supplypower to the memory 112 and one or more function modules, and theexternal battery 122 may supply power to other function modules. Forexample, the internal battery 121 may supply power to the memory 112 andthe controller 111, and the external battery 122 may supply power to afirst functional module 113 and a second functional module 114.

Accordingly, the memory 112 or one or more function modules includingthe memory 112 may operate based on first power PWR1 supplied from theinternal battery 121, and other function modules included in the system110, such as the function modules 113 and 114, may operate based onsecond power PW2 provided by the external battery 122.

According to an example embodiment, the external battery 122 may chargethe internal battery 121.

The internal battery 121 is fixed to the electronic device 100 so as tomore stably supply power to the electronic device 100. Since theexternal battery 122 may be more easily attached to and/or detached fromthe electronic device 100, the external battery 122 may be freelyreplaced by another battery. If the external battery 122 is discharged,a user may easily charge the external battery 122 by separating theexternal battery 122 from the electronic device 100. If the externalbattery 122 becomes obsolete, the external battery 122 may be replacedby a new external battery.

As described above, still referring to FIG. 1, according to an exampleembodiment, in the electronic device 100, the system 110 operates mainlybased on the second power PWR2 supplied from the external battery 122,and the memory 112 and/or one or more function modules including thememory 112 may operate based on the first power PWR1 provided by theinternal battery 121. Since the memory 112 or the one or more functionmodules including the memory 112 may receive power supply from theinternal battery 121, the memory 112 or the one or more function modulesincluding the memory 112 may operate more stably. Even if the externalbattery 122 is separated from the electronic device 100 due to fallingof the electronic device 100, and/or the electronic device 100experiences an external shock, a sudden power off of the electronicdevice 100 and the data loss in the memory 112 may be suppressed and/orprevented since the memory 112 and/or the one or more function blocksincluding the memory 112 may operate more stably.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart of a method of operating an electronic systemaccording to an example embodiment. FIG. 2 shows a method of operatingthe system 110 included in the electronic device 100 shown in FIG. 1.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, and more particularly with reference to FIG.2, at S110, the system 110 receives power supply from the internalbattery 121 and the external battery 122. According to an exampleembodiment, the memory 112 may receive the first power PWR1 from theinternal battery 121; and the controller 111, the first function module113, and the second function module 114 may receive the second powerPWR2 from the external battery 122. According to another exampleembodiment, the memory 112 and a first module group that includes atleast one function module of the plurality of function modules 113, 114may receive the first power PWR1 from the internal battery 121, andother function modules (referred to as a second module group) of theplurality of function modules 113, 114 may receive the second power PWR2from the external battery 122.

At S120, the system 110 may operate in a normal frequency mode. In otherwords, for example, the system 110 may operate normally. That is, eachfunction module, for example, the controller 111, the memory 112, thefirst function module 113, and the second function module 114 mayoperate in a given predetermined (or alternatively, desired) frequencymode, respectively.

At S130, the controller 111 may determine whether the external battery122 is separated from the electronic device 100, or whether the externalbattery 122 is discharged. According to an example embodiment, thecontroller 111 may monitor states of the external battery 122 and theinternal battery 121. The controller 111 may determine states of theexternal battery 122 and the internal battery 121 (e.g., the states ofthe external battery 122 and the internal battery 121 may include theremaining battery charge, a state when the external battery 122 isattached to and/or detached from the electronic device 100, or the like)based on a power and/or state signal provided by the external battery122 and the internal battery 121. According to another exampleembodiment, the controller 111 may determine states of the externalbattery 122 and the internal battery 121 based on a state signalprovided by a power manager (not shown) for monitoring the states of theexternal battery 122 and the internal battery 121.

If the external battery 122 is separated from the electronic device 100or discharged, then at S140 the memory 112 or the first module groupthat includes the memory 112 may receive power from the internal battery121, and the memory 112 or the first module group that includes thememory 112 may operate in a low-power mode. At S150, the memory 112 orthe first module group that includes the memory 112 may operate in alow-frequency mode.

According to an example embodiment, function modules, which receivepower from the internal battery 121 at S140, may be the same as functionmodules that receive power from the internal battery 121 at S110. Forexample, the memory 112 and the controller 111 may receive the firstpower PWR1 from the internal battery 121 at S110, and the memory 112 andthe controller 111 may receive the first power PWR1 from the internalbattery 121 at S140.

Still referring to FIG. 2, according to another example embodiment,function modules, which receive power from the internal battery 121 atS140, may be different from function modules that receive power supplyfrom the internal battery 121 at S110. For example, the memory 112 andthe controller 111 may receive the first power PWR1 from the internalbattery 121 at S110, and the memory 112, the controller 111, and atleast one function module may receive the first power PWR1 from theinternal battery 121. The at least one function module may be a givenpredetermined (or alternatively, desired) function module and/or afunction module that operates when the external battery 122 is separatedfrom the electronic device 100 or when the external battery 122 isdischarged.

In an example embodiment, even if the external battery 122 is separatedfrom the electronic device 100 or if the external battery 122 isdischarged, since the memory 112 or the first module group that includesthe memory 112 operates based on the first power PWR1 supplied from theinternal battery 121, the data loss may be suppressed and/or prevented,and a given predetermined (or alternatively, desired) function of theelectronic device 100 may be performed, and/or alternatively anoperation that was being performed by the electronic device 100 may bemaintained.

Additionally, if power is supplied only from the internal battery 121,since the system 110 operates in a low-frequency mode, power consumptionmay be reduced, and thus, a time period for which the system 110 mayoperate may increase.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart of a method of operating an electronic systemaccording to an example embodiment. The method of operating anelectronic system, described with reference to FIG. 3, is an exampleembodiment of a method of operating the system 110 if the externalbattery 122 is separated from the electronic device 100 or discharged.In the method of FIG. 3, the memory 112 and the controller 111 receivepower from the internal battery 121.

Referring to FIG. 3, the memory 112 and the controller 111 may operatebased on the first power PWR1 received from the internal battery 121.

At S210 the memory 112 and the controller 111 may operate in alow-frequency mode.

At S220, the controller 111 may determine whether the external battery122 is attached to the electronic device 100, and/or whether theexternal battery 122 is being charged. If the external battery 122 isattached to the electronic device 100 and/or is charged to a thresholdlevel, the system 110 may operate by using the power received back fromthe internal battery 121 and the external battery 122, as shown at S110of FIG. 2. The system 110 may operate in a normal frequency mode. Forexample, the system 110 may return to a state before the externalbattery is separated from the electronic device 100 or discharged, andthen, operate.

If the external battery 122 is not attached to the electronic device 100and/or the external battery 122 is not charged, the controller 111, atS230, may monitor a remaining charge of the internal battery 121, anddetermine whether the remaining charge of the internal battery 121 isless than a given predetermined (or alternatively, desired) first level.

If the remaining charge of the internal battery 121 is equal to orgreater than the given predetermined (or alternatively, desired) firstlevel, the memory 112 and the controller 111 may continue to operate.

If the remaining charge of the internal battery 121 is less than thegiven predetermined (or alternatively, desired) first level, the memory112 may store data of the system 110 (or the electronic device 100) in acurrent state. At S240, the memory 112 may store the data under controlby the controller 111. The memory 112 may store various operation dataobtained by driving an operating system (OS) or an application of thecontroller 111, multimedia data, and/or received user data. According toan example embodiment, the memory 112 may include volatile memory (e.g.,DRAM or SRAM) that operates as a main memory of the system 110, and anon-volatile memory (e.g., flash memory, an embedded multimedia card(eMMC), an SDD, or the like). The non-volatile memory operates as astorage device and stores data, which is processed by and temporarilystored in the volatile memory.

Then, at S250, the controller 111 may turn the electronic device 100off.

In an example embodiment, the system 110 may monitor a remaining chargeof the internal battery 121 so as to suppress and/or prevent a suddenpower-off that may be caused by discharging of the internal battery. Ifthe remaining charge of the internal battery 121 is determined as beinginsufficient to operate the system 110, then the system 110 stores datain a current state in a memory, and thus, suppress and/or prevent dataloss.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart for explaining an example embodiment of thedetermining of remaining battery charge at S230 in FIG. 3.

In determining of a remaining charge of the internal battery 121 in S230a, the system 110 may determine a time period for which the system 110may operate based on the quantity of the remaining electric charge, andthus, determine whether the time period for which the internal battery121 may operate is less than a given predetermined (or alternatively,desired) reference time period.

Referring to FIG. 4, at S231 the controller 111 may calculate currentconsumption per unit time, and calculate the quantity of remainingelectric charge of the internal battery 121 based on the calculatedcurrent consumption. At S232 the controller 111 may determine aremaining time period for which the system 110 (or the electronic device100) may operate based on the quantity of the remaining electric chargeof the internal battery 121.

At S233, the controller 111 may compare the remaining time period to thegiven predetermined (or alternatively, desired) reference time period.Thus, it may be determined whether the remaining charge of the internalbattery 121 is sufficient to operate the system 110.

FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate diagrams for explaining a method of chargingthe internal battery 121 by the external battery 122. FIG. 5C is a graphshowing voltage levels of the internal battery 121 and the externalbattery 122.

Referring to FIGS. 5A and 5B, the internal battery 121 and the externalbattery 122 may be connected to each other in parallel. If theelectronic device 100 operates normally, that is, for example, if theelectronic device 100 operates by receiving power from the internalbattery 121 and the external battery 122, then the external 122 and theinternal battery 121 may charge each other.

Referring to FIG. 5C, a voltage level V1 may be obtained when theexternal battery 122 is fully charged, and a voltage level V3 may beobtained when the external battery 122 is discharged. A voltage level V2may be obtained when the internal battery 121 is fully charged, and avoltage level V4 may be obtained when the internal battery 121 isdischarged. The voltage level V1 may be higher than the voltage levelV2. Accordingly, if the electronic device 100 operates normally, theexternal battery 122 may charge the internal battery 121.

According to an example embodiment, a voltage level may be obtained whena charge capacity of the external battery 122 is equal to or less than n% (e.g., 50%) of a full-charge capacity of the external battery 122. Thevoltage level of the external battery 122 obtained when the chargecapacity of the external battery 122 is equal to or less than n % may belower than the voltage level V4 obtained when the internal battery 121is in a full-charge state. In an example embodiment, the internalbattery 121 may charge the external battery 122.

Referring back to FIG. 5A, a voltage level of the external battery 122may be higher than a voltage level of the internal battery 121, and theexternal battery 122 and the internal battery 121 may be connected toeach other in parallel. Accordingly, the external battery 122 may chargethe internal battery 121.

Referring back to FIG. 5B, a voltage supplier 120 b may include a chargecontroller 123. The charge controller 123 may control a parallelconnection between the internal battery 121 and the external battery122, in response to a charge control signal CCS.

According to an example embodiment, the charge control signal CCS may beprovided by the controller 111 as shown in FIG. 1. The controller 111may monitor a remaining charge of the internal battery 121 and theexternal battery 122, and may generate the charge control signal CCS forcontrolling the external battery 122 to charge the internal battery 121if a value of the remaining charge of the internal battery 121 is equalto or less than a given predetermined (or alternatively, desired)threshold value.

According to another example embodiment, the electronic device 100 mayinclude a power manager (not shown) that is an independent functionmodule for managing power, and a charge control signal CCS may beprovided by the power manager.

FIGS. 6A and 6B are block diagrams for showing an electronic device 100a and example operation of the electronic device 100 a, according to anexample embodiment. The electronic device 100 a shown in FIGS. 6A and 6Bis an example embodiment of the electronic device 100 shown in FIG. 1. Adescription provided with reference to FIGS. 1 through 5C may also beapplied to the electronic device 100 a and the operation of theelectronic device 100 a, shown in and described with reference to FIGS.6A and 6B.

FIG. 6A shows a power supply state and example operation of a system 110a when the external battery 122 is attached to the electronic device 100a, that is, when the system 100 a operates normally.

FIG. 6B shows a power supply state and example operation of the system110 a when the external battery 122 is detached from the electronicdevice 100 a.

Referring back to FIG. 6A, a plurality of function modules 111 through114, included in the system 110 a, may be classified into a first modulegroup MD1 and a second module group MD2 according to functions thereof.In the example embodiment, the first group module MD1 may includefunction modules that need to operate in real time so that theelectronic device 100 performs an operation. The first module group MD1may be referred to as a real time module. As shown in FIG. 6A, the firstmodule group MD1 may include the controller 111 and the memory 112.According to example embodiments, the first module group MD1 may furtherinclude at least one other function module, in addition to thecontroller 111 and the memory 112.

The second module group MD2 shown in FIG. 6A may include functionmodules that do not cause disability when a main function of theelectronic device 100 a is performed, even if operation of the functionmodules temporarily stops, and do not cause a delay in operation of theelectronic device 100 a when the electronic device 100 a operatesafterwards. The second module group MD2 may be referred to as anon-real-time module.

A function module included in the first module group MD1 and a functionmodule included in the second module group MD2 may be determinedaccording to a main function of the electronic device 100 a. Accordingto example embodiments, function modules included in the first modulegroup MD1 and the second module group MD2, respectively, may bepredetermined when the electronic device 100 a is manufactured, orpredetermined when the electronic device 100 a is initialized, and/orwhen an environment of the electronic device 100 a is set.

For example, if the electronic device 100 a is a smartphone, the firstmodule group MD1 may include a controller (which may be an applicationprocessor), a memory, an input module, a display module, a long-rangecommunication module, or the like. The second module group MD2 mayinclude an earphone module, a sensor module, an interface, a short-rangecommunication module (e.g., Bluetooth, NFC, or the like), or the like.However, the modules described above are only examples, and functionmodules included in the first module group MD1 and the second modulegroup MD2 may be determined according to the power consumption of eachfunction module, a frequency of using each function module, a mainfunction of the smartphone, or the like.

Still referring to FIG. 6A, the internal battery 121 supplies firstpower PWR1 to the first module group MD1, and the external battery 122supplies second power PWR2 to the second module group MD2. Accordingly,the first module group MD1 may operate based on the first power PWR1received from the internal battery 121, and the second module group MD2may operate based on the second power PWR2 received from the externalbattery 122.

Referring to FIG. 6B, if the external battery 122 is separate from theelectronic device 100 a or if the external battery 122 is completelydischarged, power is not supplied to the second module group MD2.Accordingly, operation of the second module group MD2 stops.

However, the internal battery 121 may continue to supply the first powerPWR1 to the first module group MD1. The first module group MD1 mayoperate based on the first power PWR1. Accordingly, even if the externalbattery 122 is unexpectedly removed or discharged, since the firstmodule group MD1 that receives the first power PW1 from the internalbattery 121, that is, the real-time modules that include the memory 112continue to operate, an interrupt to the electronic device 100 a may beminimized, and as such data loss of the electronic device 100 a may besuppressed and/or prevented.

According to example embodiments, the first module group MD1 may operatein a low-power mode, for example, in a low-frequency mode so as toincrease a time period for which the electronic device 100 a mayoperate. Additionally, if a remaining charge of the internal battery 121is less than a given predetermined (or alternatively, desired) firstthreshold level, the memory 112 may store data in a current state undercontrol by the controller 111, and a power of the electronic device 100may be turned off.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram of an electronic device 100 b according to anexample embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 7, the electronic device 100 b, according to anexample embodiment, may include a system 110 b and a power supplier 120b. The system 110 b may include the controller 111, the memory 112, aplurality of first through third function modules 113 through 115, and apower manager 116. FIG. 7 shows that the system 110 b includes theplurality of function modules 113 through 115, in addition to thecontroller 111, the memory 112, and the power manager 116. However, thesystem 110 b is not limited thereto, and a number and a type of functionmodules may vary according to a function of the electronic device 100 b.Additionally, in FIG. 7, the power manager 116 is shown as an additionalfunction module. However, the power manager 116 is not limited thereto,and may be implemented as part of the controller 111.

The power supplier 120 b may include the internal battery 121 and theexternal battery 122. In the example embodiment, the power supplier 120b is shown as including an internal battery 121 and an external battery122, but is not limited thereto. The power supplier 120 b may includetwo or more internal batteries 121 and/or two or more external batteries122.

In the example embodiment of FIG. 7, the power manager 116 may managepower of the system 110 b. The power manager 116 may control powerprovided to the controller 111, the memory 112, and the plurality offirst through third function modules 113 through 115. The power manager116 may supply first power PWR1, output from the internal battery 121,and second power PWR2, output from the external battery 122, to thecontroller 111, the memory 112, and the first through third functionmodules 113 through 115 based on a state of the power supplier 120 b.That is, for example, the state of the power supplier 120 b may bedetermined as to whether the external battery 122 is attached to and/ordetached from the electronic device 100 b, and/or the amount of chargeremaining in the internal battery 121 and the external battery 122, orthe like.

Additionally, the power manager 116 may monitor states of the internalbattery 121 and the external battery 122, and provide a state signal PMto the controller 111. The state signal PM indicating to the controller111 the state of the internal battery 121 and the external battery 122.The controller 111 may determine an operation mode, a frequency mode, orthe like, of the system 110 b based on the stage signal PM. Thecontroller 111 may also control the memory 112, the first through thirdfunction modules 113 through 115, and the power manager 116.

Hereinafter, referring to FIG. 8, an example embodiment of a method ofcontrolling power in the electronic device 100 b is described.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an example embodiment of a powercontrol method for the electronic system 110 b included in theelectronic system 110 b shown in FIG. 7. In detail, FIG. 8 shows anexample operation of the power manager 116.

Referring to FIG. 8, at S310 the power manager 116 may receive firstpower PWR1 from the internal battery 121, and receive second power PWR2from the external battery 122. Then, at S320, the power manager 116 mayprovide the first power PWR1 to the memory 112, and provide the secondpower PWR2 to other function modules, for example, the controller 111and the first through third function modules 113 through 115.

At S330, the power manager 116 may detect states of the internal battery121 and the internal battery 122. Accordingly, at S340, the powermanager 116 may detect whether the external battery 122 is separatedfrom the electronic device 100 b or the external battery 122 isdischarged.

If the external battery 122 is not separated from the electronic device100 b or the external battery 122 is not discharged, the power manager116 may return to S310 and continue as discussed above.

However, if the power manager 116 determines at S340 that the externalbattery 122 is separated from the electronic device 100 b or discharged,then the power manager 116 at S350 may receive information aboutfunction modules, from among a plurality of function modules, includedin a first module group in the system 110, which received the firstpower PWR1 from the internal battery 121. For example, the power manager116 may provide a state signal to the controller 111 indicating a stateof whether the external battery 122 is separated from the electronicdevice 100 b or discharged. If the controller 111 determines that theexternal battery 122 is separated from the electronic device 100 b ordischarged, then the controller 111 may provide information about thefirst module group to the power manager 116 at S360. According to anexample embodiment, given predetermined (or alternatively, desired)function modules, for example, the real-time modules described abovewith reference to FIGS. 6A and 6B may be included in the first modulegroup. According to another example embodiment, function modules thatoperate when the external battery 122 is separated from the electronicdevice 100 b, or discharged, may be included in the first module group.

In more detail, at S360, the power manager 116 may provide the firstpower PWR1, which is outputted from the internal battery 121, to thefunction modules included in the first module group. The functionmodules included in the first module group may include the memory 112and at least one function module.

Even if the external battery 122 is unexpectedly separated from theelectronic device 100 b or discharged, one or more given predetermined(or alternatively, desired) function modules including the memory 112may operate by using the internal battery 121 according to a powercontrol operation by the power manager 116, as described above. Thus,the data loss in the electronic device 100 b may be suppressed and/orprevented, and the electronic device 100 b may perform an operationand/or continue to perform operations that have been performed.

FIGS. 9A and 9B are block diagrams showing an example operation of theelectronic device 100 b shown in FIG. 7.

FIG. 9A shows a state of power supply to the system 110 b and operationof the system 110 b when the external battery 122 is attached to theelectronic device 100 b. That is, for example, the system 110 b is in anormal operation state.

FIG. 9B shows a state of power supply to the system 110 b and operationof the system 110 b after the external battery 122 is detached from theelectronic device 100 b.

Referring to FIG. 9A, first power PWR1 output from the internal battery121 and second power PWR2 output from the external battery 122 may beprovided to the power manager 116. The power manager 116 may supply thefirst power PWR1 to the memory 112, and supply the second power PWR2 toother function modules 111 and 113 through 115. Accordingly, the memory112 operates based on the first power PWR1 supplied from the internalbattery 121, and the other function modules 111 and 113 through 115 mayoperate based on the second power PWR2 supplied from the externalbattery PWR2.

Referring to FIG. 9B, if the external battery 122 is separated from theelectronic apparatus 100 b (or if the external battery 122 is completelydischarged), the power manager 116 may supply the first power PWR1,which is output from the internal battery 121, to the memory 112, thecontroller 111 and a third function module 115. According to an exampleembodiment, the third function module 115 may be a function module forperforming an operation of the electronic device 100 b. Alternately, thethird function module 115 may be a function module that performs anoperation before the external battery 122 is separated from theelectronic device 100 b.

As such in the electronic device 100 b, the memory 112 receives powerfrom the internal battery 121, and thus, operates relatively stable. Ifthe external battery 122 is separated from the electronic device 100 bor discharged, function modules needed for an operation of theelectronic device 100 b, and/or alternatively function modules thatperformed an operation before the external battery 122 is separated ordischarged from the electronic device 100 b, other than the memory 112,may receive power from the internal battery 121, and operate.Accordingly, the electronic device 100 b may suppress and/or minimizethe use of the internal battery 121 when the electronic device 100 boperates normally, and in a case of an emergency such that the externalbattery 122 is separated from the electronic device 100 b, theelectronic device 100 b may operate normally by using the internalbattery 121.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart of a method of operating an electronic system,according to an example embodiment. FIG. 10 shows a method of operatingthe system 110 b included in the electronic device 100 b shown in FIG.7, for example, and shows an example embodiment of a method of operatingthe system 110 b in the electronic device 100 b when the externalbattery 122 is separated from the electronic device 100 b or discharged.

Referring to FIG. 10, at S410, if the external battery 122 is separatedfrom the electronic device 100 b or discharged, a first module groupthat includes the memory 112 and the controller 111, from among aplurality of function modules included in the system 110 b, may operatebased on the first power PWR1 received from the internal battery 121.While the first module group operates based on the first power PWR1, atS420 if it is determined that the external battery 122 is reconnectedand/or charged to the electronic device 100 b, the system 110 b may thenoperate by using the power received back from the external battery 122.Accordingly, as described with reference to S310 and S320 described withreference to FIG. 8, the first power PWR1 may be provided to the memory112, and the second power PWR2 may be provided to other functionmodules.

However, at S420 if it is determined that the external battery 122 isnot re-connected to the electronic device 100 b within a givenpredetermined (or alternatively, desired) reference waiting time periodand/or is not charged, the controller 111 may then measure elapsed timeafter the system 110 b operated by using the internal battery 121, andthus, determine at S430 whether the measured elapsed time exceeds thegiven predetermined (or alternatively, desired) reference waiting timeperiod.

If the measured elapsed time exceeds the given predetermined (oralternatively, desired) reference waiting time period, the controller111 and/or the power manager 116 at S440 determines whether a remainingcharge of the internal battery 121 is equal to or greater than a givenpredetermined (or alternatively, desired) second threshold level. If theremaining charge of the internal battery 121 is equal to or greater thanthe second threshold level, then at S450 the first module group and atleast one additional module may operate based on the first power PWR1received from the internal battery 121. The power manager 116 mayprovide the first power PWR1 to the at least one additional functionmodule. According to an example embodiment, the first power PWR1 may beprovided to a plurality of function modules included in the system 110 band the system 110 b may operate normally.

If the measured elapsed time does not exceed the given predetermined (oralternatively, desired) reference waiting time period, and/or if aremaining charge of the internal battery 121 is determined as beinginsufficient, then the first module group may operate based on the firstpower PWR1 received from the internal battery 121 as noted above withrespect to S410.

When the external battery 122 is separated and/or discharged from theelectronic device 100 b so that only a part of function modules includedin the system 110 b operate, the operation of the electronic device 100b may be limited. If the external battery 122 is not reconnected to theelectronic device 100 b and/or charged within the reference waiting timeperiod, the operation of the electronic device 100 b may be limited,which may cause inconvenience to a user.

Accordingly, in the example embodiment, even though the external battery122 is not reconnected to the electronic device 100 b and/or chargedwithin the reference waiting time period, if the remaining charge of theinternal battery 121 is determined as being sufficient, the system 110 bmay increase a number of function modules that use the internal battery121 so that functions that may be performed by the electronic device 120b may be increased and/or the electronic device 100 b may normallyperform all or substantially all the functions.

FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing an example embodiment of a mobileelectronic device 200 according to an example embodiment.

The mobile electronic device 200 shown in FIG. 11 is an exampleembodiment of the electronic device 100 shown in FIG. 1. The method ofoperating an electronic device, which is described with reference toFIG. 11, may be applied to the example embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 11, the mobile electronic device 200 may include oneor more application processors 210 (hereinafter, referred to an AP), amemory 220, a power manager 230, a plurality of function modules 241through 245. The mobile electronic device 200 may also include a powersupplier 250, and the power supplier 250 may include an internal battery251 and an external battery 252.

The AP 210 may control all the operations of the mobile electronicdevice 200. The AP 210 may drive an operating system and/or anapplication program, and perform various processing and operations onvarious data such as multimedia data. The AP 210 may executeapplications providing an Internet browser, a game, moving pictures, orthe like. According to example embodiments, the AP 210 may include asingle core or multiple cores. For example, the AP 210 may includemultiple cores such as dual cores, quad cores, hexa cores, or the like.According to example embodiments, the AP 210 may further include a cachememory located inside or outside the AP 210. According to an exampleembodiment, the AP 210 may further include a graphic processing unit(GPU).

The memory 220 may include a non-volatile memory 221 and a volatilememory 222. The non-volatile memory 221 may include at least oneselected from various memories, for example, ROM, PROM, EPROM, EEPROM,flash memory, PRAM, MRAM, RRAM, FRAM, and the like. The non-volatilememory 221 may also include at least one selected from the non-volatilememory devices such as an SSD, an eMMC, a UFS, compact flash (CF),secure digital (SD), Micro-SD, Mini-SD, extreme digital (xD), a memorystick, and the like. The volatile memory 222 may include at least oneselected from various memories such as DRAM, SRAM, SDRAM, PRAM, MRAM,RRAM, FeRAM, and the like.

According to an example embodiment, the AP 210 may load a command ordata, received from at least one selected from the group consisting ofthe non-volatile memory 221 and other elements, onto the volatile memory222, and process the command or the data. Additionally, the AP 210 maystore data, received from or generated by at least one selected from theelements, in the non-volatile memory 221.

Still referring to FIG. 11, the mobile electronic device 200 may includevarious function modules. According to an example embodiment, the mobileelectronic device 200 may include a communication module 241, an inputmodule 242, a display module 243, a sensor module 244, and an interface245.

The communication module 241 may transceive data by communicating withother electronic devices connected to the mobile electronic device 200via a network. According to an example embodiment, the communicationmodule 241 may include a cellular module, a Wi-Fi module, a Bluetoothmodule, a GPS module, an NFC module, a radio frequency (RF) module, orthe like. The cellular module may provide a voice phone call service, avideo phone call service, a text message service, an internet service,or the like via a communication network. Additionally, the cellularmodule may classify and certify an electronic device in a communicationnetwork, by using a subscriber identification module, for example, asubscriber identify module (SIM) card, or the like. A short-rangecommunication module such as a Wi-Fi module, a Bluetooth module, a GPSmodule, an NFC module, an RF module, or the like may process datatransceived via a module corresponding to the data. At least one of themodules included in the communication module 241 may be included in anintegrated chip or an integrated chip package.

The input module 242 shown in FIG. 11 may include an input device suchas a touch panel, a keypad, an input button, or the like.

The display module 243 shown in FIG. 11 may include a display panel anda display driver. The display panel may be, for example, aliquid-crystal display (LCD), an active-matrix organic light-emittingdiode (AM-OLED), or the like. The display panel may be, for example,flexibly, transparently, or wearably implemented. The display panel maybe implemented as a module with a touch panel. The display driver mayreceive an image from the AP 210, and display the received image on thedisplay panel.

The sensor module 244 shown in FIG. 11 may measure physical quantity ordetect an operation state of the mobile electronic device 200, and thus,convert information obtained by the measuring or the detecting into anelectrical signal. The sensor module 244 may include, for example, agesture sensor, a gyro sensor, a barometric sensor, a magnetic sensor,an acceleration sensor, a grip sensor, a proximity sensor, a colorsensor, a bio sensor, a temperature/humidity sensor, an illuminancesensor, a ultraviolet (UV) sensor, an e-nose sensor, an electromyography(EMG) sensor, an electroencephalogram (EEG) sensor, an electrocardiogram(ECG) sensor, an infrared (IR) sensor, an iris sensor, or a fingerprintsensor, or the like. The sensor module 244 may further include a controlcircuit for controlling at least one sensor included in the sensormodule 244.

The interface 245 shown in FIG. 11 may include, for example, ahigh-definition multimedia interface (HDMI), a universal serial bus(USB), an optical interface, a D-subminiature (D-sub) interface, amobile high-definition link (MHL) interface, a SD card/multi-media card(MMC) interface, or an infrared data association (IrDA) standardinterface, or the like.

Although not shown, the electronic device 100 may further includevarious function modules such as a camera module, an audio module, anindicator, a motor, or the like.

The power manager 230 shown in FIG. 11 may manage power of the mobileelectronic device 200. The power manager 230 may control power suppliedto the AP 210, the memory 220, and the plurality of function modules 241through 245.

The power supplier 250 shown in FIG. 11 may include at least oneinternal battery 251 and an external battery 252. The internal battery251 and the external battery 252 may be charged and/or discharged.According to an example embodiment, the external battery 252 may chargethe internal battery 251.

If the mobile electronic device 200 shown in FIG. 11 operates normally,that is, for example, if the external battery 252 is connected to themobile electronic device 200, the power manager 230 may supply firstpower PWR1, output from the internal battery 251, to one or morefunction modules including the memory 220 (hereinafter referred to as afirst module group), and supply second power PWR2, output from theexternal battery 252, to other function modules (referred to as a secondmodule group).

The first module group, for example, may include the AP 210 and thememory 220, and further include at least one module selected from thegroup including communication module 241, the input module 242, and thedisplay module 243. The second module group may include the sensormodule 244, and the interface 245. However, the first module group andthe second group are not limited thereto. Function modules included inthe first module group and the second module group may be determinedaccording to a type and main function of the mobile electronic device200, respectively.

As such, even if the external battery 252 is unexpectedly separatedand/or discharged from the mobile electronic device 200, the powermanager 230 may continue to supply the first power PWR1 to the firstmodule group. According to an example embodiment, the power manager 230may supply the first power PWR1 to the first module group and to the oneor more function modules included in the second module group.

In the example embodiment, the mobile electronic device 200 may includethe internal battery 251 and the external battery 252 as shown in FIG.11. The internal battery 251 supplies power to the memory 220. Thus, asudden power-off of the memory 220 may be suppressed and/or prevented,and as such the data loss in the memory 112 may be suppressed and/orprevented. Additionally, if the external battery 252 is separated fromthe mobile electronic device 200 or discharged, the internal battery 251supplies power to the memory 220 and a function module that performs amain function of the mobile electronic device 200. Thus, even if theexternal battery 252 is unexpectedly separated from the mobileelectronic device 200 or discharged, the mobile electronic device 200performs a given predetermined (or alternatively, desired) operationand/or continues to perform an operation that has been performed beforethe external battery 252 is separated from the mobile electronic device200 or discharged, which may enhance user convenience.

According to one or more example embodiments, an electronic device andan electronic system may perform as IoT devices. Hereinafter, accordingto example embodiments in which an electronic device and an electronicsystem operate as IoT devices are described.

The IoT devices may include devices equipped with a wired or wirelessinterface that may be connected to other devices and transceive data bycommunicating with one or more other devices via the wired or wirelessinterface. The wired or wireless interface that may be connected toother devices may include a local area network (LAN), a wireless LAN(WLAN) such as Wi-Fi, a wireless personal area network (WLAN) such asBluetooth, a wireless universal serial bus (USB), Zigbee, NFC,radio-frequency identification (RFID), power Line communication (PLC) ora mobile cellular network such as 3rd generation (3G), 4th generation(4G), LTE, or the like. The Bluetooth interface may support Bluetoothlow energy (BLE).

FIG. 12 illustrates a diagram showing an IoT network system 1000according to example embodiments. Referring to FIG. 12, the IoT networksystem 1000 may include a plurality of IoT devices such as including butnot limited to a plurality of home gadgets 1100, a plurality of homeappliances 1120, a plurality of entertainment devices 1140, and/or anautomobile vehicle 1160.

An IoT may refer to a network between things that use wired/wirelesscommunication. Accordingly, according to example embodiments, the IoTmay be also referred to as various terms such as an IoT network system,a ubiquitous sensor network (USN) communication system, a machine typecommunications (MTC) system, a machine oriented communication (MOC)system, a machine-to-machine (M2M) communication system, or adevice-to-device (D2D) communication system, or the like. The IoTnetwork system, which is to be described herein, may include an IoTdevice, an access point, gateway, a communication network, a server, orthe like. However, such elements are classified so as to describe theIoT network system, but are not limited to the scope of the IoT networksystem. Additionally, the IoT network system may employ a transmissionprotocol such as a user datagram protocol (UDP), a transmission controlprotocol (TCP), or the like, an application protocol such as an IPv6Low-power Wireless Personal Area Networks (6LoWPAN) protocol, an IPv6internet routing protocol, constrained application protocol (CoAP), ahypertext transfer protocol (HTTP), message queue telemetry transport(MQTT), MQTT for sensors networks (MQTT-S), or the like.

In the wireless sensor network (WSN), each of the plurality of IoTdevices such as including but not limited to a plurality of home gadgets1100, a plurality of home appliances 1120, a plurality of entertainmentdevices 1140, and/or an automobile vehicle 1160 may be used as a syncnode or a sensor node. The sync node is also referred to as a basestation, and may function as a gateway for connecting the WSN to anexternal network (for example, the Internet), provide a task to eachsensor node, and gather an event detected by each sensor node. A sensornode is a node that is included in the WSN and may process and gathersensory information. The sensor node may be a node that may performcommunication between nodes connected to each other in the WSN.

The plurality of the IoT devices such as including but not limited to aplurality of home gadgets 1100, a plurality of home appliances 1120, aplurality of entertainment devices 1140, and/or an automobile vehiclemay include an active IoT device that operates by using its own powerand a passive IoT device that operates by using power wirelesslysupplied from outside. The active IoT device may include a refrigerator,an air conditioner, a telephone, a vehicle, or the like. The passive IoTdevice may include an RFID tag or an NFC tag.

The plurality of devices such as including but not limited to aplurality of home gadgets 1100, a plurality of home appliances 1120, aplurality of entertainment devices 1140, and/or an automobile vehiclemay include a passive communication interface such as a quick response(QR) code, an RFID tag, an NFC tag, or the like, or include an activecommunication interface such as a modem, a transceiver, or the like.

The plurality of the IoT devices such as including but not limited to aplurality of home gadgets 1100, a plurality of home appliances 1120, aplurality of entertainment devices 1140, and/or an automobile vehiclemay gather data by using a sensor, or transmit the gathered data tooutside via a wired/wireless communication interface. Additionally, theplurality of IoT devices such as including but not limited to aplurality of home gadgets 1100, a plurality of home appliances 1120, aplurality of entertainment devices 1140, and/or an automobile vehiclemay transmit and/or receive control information and/or data via thewired/wireless communication interface. The wired or wirelesscommunication interface may be one of the interfaces that may beaccessed.

At least one selected from the plurality of the IoT devices such asincluding but not limited to a plurality of home gadgets 1100, aplurality of home appliances 1120, a plurality of entertainment devices1140, and/or an automobile vehicle may include the electronic device orthe electronic system that was described with reference to FIGS. 1through 11 according to example embodiments. According to exampleembodiments, an IoT device to which the electronic device or theelectronic system is applied may include at least one memory. The memorymay receive power from an internal battery embedded in the IoT device.Other function modules included in the IoT device, for example, asensor, an input/output unit, a display, a communication module, or thelike, may receive power from an internal battery or an external battery.Even if the external battery is suddenly separated from the electronicdevice or the electronic system or the external battery is discharged,function modules including at least one memory and configured to performan operation of the IoT device may receive power from the internalbattery. Accordingly, a sudden power-off of the IoT device may besuppressed and/or prevented, and the data loss may be suppressed and/orprevented.

The plurality of the IoT devices such as including but not limited to aplurality of home gadgets 1100, a plurality of home appliances 1120, aplurality of entertainment devices 1140, and/or an automobile vehiclemay form groups according to characteristics of each IoT device. Theplurality of the IoT devices 1100, 1200, 1140, and 1160 may form atemperature control group for controlling an indoor temperature, a largehome appliance group and a small home appliance group according to adegree to which power is consumed, a cleanliness group for controllingindoor cleanliness (for example, air cleaning or floor cleaning), alighting group for controlling indoor lighting, an entertainment group1140 for controlling an entertainment-type device (for example, a TV, anaudio device, or the like), or the like. The temperature control groupmay include an air conditioner, an electric window, an electric curtain,or the like. For example, the home gadget group 1100 shown in FIG. 12may include a heart-rate sensor patch, a medical device for measuringblood glucose, a lighting apparatus, a hygrometer, a monitoring camera,a smartwatch, a security keypad, a thermostat, a fragrance device, awindow blind, or the like. The home appliance/furniture group 1120 mayinclude a home appliance such as a robot cleaner, a washing machine, arefrigerator, an air conditioner, a TV, or furniture such as a bed thatincludes a sensor. The entertainment group 1140 may include a multimediaimage device and/or a communication device such as a TV, a smartphone,or the like.

Each of the IoT devices may belong to a plurality of groups. Forexample, an air conditioner may belong to a large homeappliance/furniture group 1120 and the temperature control group. A TVmay belong to the home appliance/furniture group 1120 and theentertainment group 1140. Additionally, a smartphone may belong to thehome gadget group 1100 and the entertainment group 1140.

The IoT network system 1000 shown in FIG. 12 may further include anaccess point 1200. The plurality of IoT devices 1100, 1120, and 1140 maybe connected to a communication network or another IoT device via theaccess point 1200. The access point 1200 may be equipped in an IoTdevice. For example, the access point 1200 may be equipped in a TV. Inthis case, a user may monitor or control at least one IoT deviceconnected to the access point 1200 via a display included in the TV.Additionally, the access point 1200 may be included in one of the IoTdevices. For example, a cellular phone may be an IoT device and, at asame time, the access point 1200 connected to another IoT device. Thecellular phone may be connected to a communication network via a mobilecellular network or a short-range wireless network.

The IoT network system 100 may further include a gateway 1250. Thegateway 1250 may change a protocol so as to connect the access point1200 to an external communication network (for example, the Internet ora public communication network). The IoT devices 1100, 1120, and 1140may be connected to the external communication network via the gateway1250. According to example embodiments, the gateway 1250 may beconfigured to be integrated into the access point 1200. In anotherexample embodiment, the access point 1200 may perform a function of afirst gateway, and the gateway 1250 may function as a second gateway.

The gateway 1250 may be included in one of the IoT devices. For example,a cellular phone may be an IoT device and, at a same time, the gateway1250 may be connected to another IoT device. In this case, the cellularphone may be connected to a mobile cellular network.

The IoT network system 1000 may further include at least onecommunication network 1300. The communication network 1300 includes theInternet or a public communication network. The public communicationnetwork may include a mobile cellular network. The communication network1300 may be a channel via which information, gathered by the IoT devicessuch as including but not limited to a plurality of home gadgets 1100, aplurality of home appliances 1120, a plurality of entertainment devices1140, and/or an automobile vehicle, is transmitted.

The IoT network system 1000 shown in FIG. 12 may further include aserver 1400 connected to the communication network 1300. Thecommunication network 1300 may transmit data, sensed by the IoT devices1100, 1120, 1140, and 1160, to the server 1400. The server 1400 maystore or analyze the transmitted data. Additionally, the server 1400 maytransmit a result of the analyzing via the communication network 1300.The server 1400 may store information, related to at least one selectedfrom the IoT devices 1100, 1120, 1140, and 1160, and analyze datatransmitted from an IoT device related to the data, based on the storedinformation. Additionally, the server 1400 may transmit the result ofthe analyzing to the IoT device related to the data or a user device viaa communication network. For example, in a case of an IoT device formeasuring blood glucose of a user in real time, the server 1400 maystore a threshold value of blood glucose, given predetermined (oralternatively, desired) by a user, in advance and receive a value ofmeasured blood glucose via a communication network. Then, the server1400 may compare the threshold value of blood glucose to the receivedvalue of the measured blood glucose; and transmit information,indicating whether the received value of the measured blood glucose isat a dangerous level, to the user device and/or the IoT device formeasuring blood glucose of the user.

FIG. 13 illustrates a structural hardware map of an IoT device 300according to an example embodiment. The mobile electronic device 200,described with reference to FIG. 11, may be applied as the IoT device300 shown in FIG. 13. One or more elements of the mobile electronicdevice 200, shown in FIG. 11, may be identical to the elements of theIoT device 300. Since the elements identical to each other have a samefunction, a description thereof is not provided here again.

In the example embodiment, a module or a secure element may refer tohardware (or a hardware component) that may perform a function and/or anoperation corresponding to a name thereof, software (or a softwarecomponent) that may perform a particular function and/or operation, oran electronic recording medium (for example, a processor or a CPU) inwhich a computer program code that may perform a particular functionand/or operation is installed, but is not limited thereto. In otherwords, a module or a secure element may refer to hardware or afunctional and/or structural combination of software for driving thehardware.

Referring to FIG. 13, the IoT device 300 may include an AP 1310, acommunication interface 320, a secure module 380, a storage device330-2, a memory 330-1, a display 340, an input/output device 350, a databus 390, a power supply device 370, an actuator 385, and/or at least onesensor 360-1 or 360-2.

The AP 310 may control all operations of the IoT device 300.

The secure module 380 shown in FIG. 13 may include a processor 381 and asecure element 382. The secure module 380 that includes a processor 381and a secure element 382 are formed as a package, and an internal busINT_BUS connecting the processor 381 to the secure element 382 may beformed in the package. The secure element 382 may defend against anattack from the outside, for example, a lab attack. Accordingly, thesecure element 382 may be used to securely store security data. Theprocessor 381 may be connected to the AP 310.

The sensor 360-1 may be, for example, an image sensor for sensing animage. The sensor 360-1 may be connected to the AP 310, and transmitgenerated image information to the AP 310. The sensor 360-2 may be abiosensor for detecting biometric information. For example, the sensor360-2 may detect a fingerprint, an iris pattern, a blood vessel pattern,a heart rate, blood glucose, or the like, generate sensing datacorresponding to information obtained by the detecting, and thus,provide the sensing data to the processor 381 included in the securemodule 380. However, the sensor 360-2 is not limited to a biosensor, andmay be an arbitrary sensor such as an illuminance sensor, a soundsensor, an acceleration sensor, or the like.

The secure module 380 includes the secure element 382. The secure module380 and the AP 310 may generate a session key by performing across-certification. For example, the AP 310 and the secure element 382may perform a cross-certification by using a first certificate stored inthe secure element 382, a second certificate stored in the AP 310, and apublic key of a certification authority which is stored both in the AP310 and the secure element 382. As a result of the certification, if thecross-certification is done, the session key may be generated by using afirst personal key stored in the secure element 382 and a secondpersonal key stored in the AP 310. Then, the secure module 380 mayencrypt sensing data by using the session key, and transmit theencrypted sensing data to the AP 310. Then, the AP 310 may decrypt theencrypted sensing data by using the session key, and thus, obtain thesensing data. Accordingly, a security level of data transmission in theIoT device 300 may enhance. In this case, the secure element 382 and theapplication 310 may be formed as a package.

The secure module 380 may further include the processor 381. Theprocessor 381 may encrypt sensing data, input by the sensor 360-2, andcontrol communication between the AP 310 and the secure element 382. Inan example embodiment, the secure element 382 and the processor 381 maybe formed as a package.

The storage device 330-2 may store a boot image for booting the IoTdevice 300. For example, the storage device 330-2 may include anon-volatile memory device such as a flash memory device, an SSD, or thelike.

The memory 330-1 may store data needed to operate the IoT device 300.For example, the memory 330-1 may include a volatile memory device suchas DRAM, SRAM, or the like.

The input/output device 350 shown in FIG. 13 may include an input unitsuch as a touchpad, a keypad, an input button, or the like, and anoutput unit such as a display, a speaker, or the like. The power supplydevice 370 may supply an operating voltage needed to operate the IoTdevice 300.

The power supply device 370 shown in FIG. 13 may include a powersupplier and/or a battery. The power supply device 370 may include atleast one internal battery 371 and at least one external battery 372.The external battery 372 is a main battery for supplying power to mostelements of the power supply device 370, and the internal battery 371may be an auxiliary battery. The internal battery 371 may supply powerto the memory 330-1 and the storage device 330-2. If the externalbattery 372 is separated from the IoT device 300 or discharged, theinternal battery 371 may supply power to one or more elements of the IoTdevice 300 in addition to the memory 330-1 and the storage device 330-2.For example, the internal battery 371 may supply power to elements suchas the AP 310, the secure module 380, or the like, which is needed foran operation and security of the IoT device 300. Accordingly, even ifthe external battery 372 is separated from the IoT device 300 ordischarged, the power is supplied to the memory 330-1, the storagedevice 330-2, and the secure module 380, respectively, and thus,security data may be securely stored.

The actuator 385 shown in FIG. 13 may include various elements needed tophysically drive the IoT device 300. For example, the actuator 385 mayinclude a motor driving circuit and a motor.

According to example embodiments, the IoT device 300 may be an arbitrarymobile system such as including but not limited to a mobile phone, asmartphone, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a portable multimediaplayer (PMP), a digital camera, a music player, a portable game console,a navigation system, a laptop computer, or the like.

FIG. 14 illustrates a conceptual diagram of a hardware (HW) structureand a software (SW) structure of the IoT device 300 according to anexample embodiment. Referring to FIG. 14, a hardware 2000 may includeone or more elements of the IoT device 300 described with reference toFIG. 13. The hardware 2000 may include an AP 10, a sensor 50, a memory30, a communication interface 20, and an input/output unit 40. Accordingto an example embodiment, elements including the memory 30 and the AP 10may receive power from an internal battery that is embedded in the IoTdevice 300 and is not easily separated from the IoT device 300, andother elements may receive power from an external battery that may beeasily attached to or detached from the IoT device 300.

The IoT device 300 may further include an OS 2010 and/or an application2020. Referring to FIG. 14, an operation performed between each layerranging from the hardware 2000, the OS 2010, the application 2020, and auser 2030 is shown.

The application 2020 shown in FIG. 14 refers to software and a servicefor implementing a particular function. The user 2030 refers to anobject that uses the application 2020. The user 2030 may communicatewith the application 2020 via a user interface (UI). The application2020 is manufactured based on each service purpose, and thus,communication with the user 2030 via an UI corresponding to each servicepurpose. The application 2020 performs an operation requested by theuser 2030 and, if needed, call an application protocol interface (API)2016 or a library 2017.

The API 2016 and/or the library 2017 shown in FIG. 14 may perform amacro operation corresponding to a particular function or, if acommunication with a lower layer is needed, provide an interface. If theapplication 2020 requests a lower layer to perform an operation via theAPI 2016 and/or the library 2017, the API 2016 and/or the library 2017may classify a received request into fields such as a security 2013, anetwork 2014, and a management 2015. The API 2016 and/or the library2017 may operate a layer needed according to a field corresponding tothe request. For example, if the API 2016 requests a function related tothe network 2014, the API 2016 may transmit a parameter needed for alayer of the network 2014, and call a function related to the network2014. In this case, the network 2014 may communicate with a lower layerso as to perform a requested operation. If there is not a lower layer,the API 2016 and/or the library 2017 may perform the operation.

The driver 2011 shown in FIG. 14 manages the hardware 2000 and checks astate of the hardware 2000. The driver 2011 also receives a requestclassified by upper layers and transmits the request to a layer of thehardware 2000.

If the driver 2011 requests the layer of the hardware 2000 to perform anoperation, a firmware 2012 may convert the request so that the layer ofthe hardware 2000 may receive the request for the operation. Thefirmware 2012 converts and transmits the request to the hardware 2000.The firmware 2012 may be configured to be included in the driver 2011 orthe hardware 2000.

The IoT 300 may include the API 2016, the driver 2011, and the firmware2012, and include the OS 2010 for managing the API 2016, the driver2011, and the firmware 2012. The OS 2010 may be stored in the memory 30in the form of a control command code or data. Since a low-priced IoTdevice having a simple function has a small memory capacity, the IoTdevice may include control software 2010 instead of the OS 2010.

The hardware 2000 may execute a request (or a command), transmitted fromthe driver 2011 or the firmware 2010, in order or out of order, andstore a result of the executing in a register in the hardware 2000 orthe memory 30 connected to the hardware 2000. The stored result mayreturn to the driver 2011 or the firmware 2012.

The hardware 2000 may request a needed operation for an upper layer, bygenerating an interrupt. If an interrupt is generated, the hardware 2000checks the interrupt in the management 2015 in the OS 2010, and then,communicates with a core of the hardware 2000, and thus, processes theinterrupt. For example, if a letter ‘R’ is input to a keyboard that isone of peripherals, the inputting of the letter ‘R’ is regarded as aninterrupt, and thus, is transmitted to the management 2015 in the OS2010, or directly to the hardware 2000. Then, the hardware 2000 mayoutput a value of ‘R’ on a display of the input/output unit 40.

FIG. 15 illustrates a conceptual diagram showing wearable IoT devices3010 and various services that are provided by a service system 3000 andemploy the wearable IoT device, according to an example embodiment. Anexample embodiment, described with reference to FIG. 15, describes ausage scenario regarding health, personal safety, a social networkservice (SNS), an information providing and smart home service, or thelike. Referring to FIG. 15, the service system 3000 may include at leastone IoT device 3010, a gateway 3030, a server 3040, and at least oneservice provider 3050, 3060, or 3070.

The IoT device 3010 may be implemented as a wearable IoT device 3010such as smart glasses 3010-1, an earphone 3010-2, anelectrocardiography/photo-plethysmography (ECG/PPG) equipment 3010-3, abelt 3010-4, a band or a wristwatch 3010-5, a blood glucose measuringdevice 3010-6, thermostat clothes 3010-7, shoes 3010-8, a necklace3010-9, or the like. The wearable IoT device 3010 may include a sensorfor sensing a state of the user 3020, a surrounding environment, and/ora user command. Additionally, the IoT device 3010 may include areplaceable battery or have a wireless charging function so as toreceive power supply, and have a wireless communication function forcommunicating with outside.

According to the example embodiments described with reference to FIGS. 1through 11, an electronic device or an electronic system may be appliedto at least one selected from the IoT devices 3010. The IoT devices 3010may include an internal battery and an external battery that may bedetachably attached to the IoT, and the internal battery may supplypower to a memory included in the IoT device 3010. Accordingly, even ifthe external battery is separated from the IoT device 3010, data loss inthe memory may be suppressed and/or prevented. For example, the IoTdevice 3010 may suppress and/or prevent loss of sensing data that isgenerated by sensing a state of the user 3020, a surroundingenvironment, and/or a user command. Additionally, even if the externalbattery is separated from the IoT device 3010 or discharged, anoperation of the IoT device 3010 may be performed.

The gateway 3030 may transmit information, gathered by the sensor, tothe server 3040 via a communication network, or transmit analysisinformation, transmitted by the server 3040, to an IoT devicecorresponding to the analysis information. For example, the gateway 3030may be connected to an IoT device via a short-range wirelesscommunication protocol. The gateway 3030 may be a smartphone, forexample, which may be connected to a wireless communication network suchas Wi-Fi, 3G, LTE, or the like. The gateway 3030 may be connected to theserver 3040 via an Internet network or a wireless communication network.

According to the example embodiments described with reference to FIGS. 1through 11, an electronic device or an electronic system may be appliedto the gateway 3030. The gateway 3030 may include a memory, an internalbattery, and an external battery that is detachably attached to thegateway 3030, and the internal battery may supply power to the memory.Accordingly, even if the external battery is separated from the gateway3030, data loss in the memory may be suppressed and/or prevented.Additionally, since the internal battery supplies power to one or moremain function modules of the gateway 3030, the gateway 3030 may performa given predetermined (or alternatively, desired) operation or continueto perform an operation that has been performed.

The server 3040 may store or analyze gathered information, and thus,generate service information related to the gathered information, orprovide stored information and/or analyzed information to the serviceprovider 3050, 3060, or 3070. The service provider 3050, 3060, or 3070may analyze the gathered information, and thus, provide a service to theuser 3020. The providing of the service may include providinginformation useful to the user 3020, providing an alarm service,providing information about personal protection, providing controlinformation about the wearable IoT device 3010.

A smart home service provider 3050 may certify user information,received from the user 3020, and control the IoT devices at home of theuser 3020 with reference to a set value set with reference to the server140. For example, the smart home service provider 3050 may provide asmart home service for controlling the IoT devices related to airconditioning/heating and installed at home of the user 3020, the IoTdevices related to energy resources such as gas, water, electricity, orthe like, IoT devices related to an indoor condition such as lighting,humidity, air purification, or the like, and/or the IoT devices relatedto exercise prescription in consideration of a level of daily activitiesof the user 3020. Likewise, a leisure activity service provider 3070 mayprovide a service related to leisure activities of the user 3020. Forexample, the leisure activity service provider 3070 may receiveinformation about a physical state or a location of the user 3020, andrecommend food, shopping information, or restaurants to the user 3020.

The health and safety service provider 3060 may provide an emergencymedical/public safety service based on state information about the user3020. Additionally, the health and safety service provider 3060 maytransmit an alarm to the user 3020 based on information aboutchildbearing ages to the user 3020, and transmit precautions to the user3020 based on information about spread of virus, or recommendinformation about food or menus, to which the user 3020 may need to payattention.

The smart glasses 3010-1 are worn on a head of the user 3020, and maysense a surrounding environment of the user 3020, a state of the user3020, and a command by the user 3020, by using a sensor such as a dryeye syndrome sensor, an eye blink sensor, an image sensor, a brainwavesensor, a touch sensor, a voice recognition sensor, a global positioningsensor (GPS), or the like. Information obtained by the sensing istransmitted to the server 3040, and the server 3040 may provide aservice effective to the user 3020. For example, the server 3040 maytransmit electrostimulation information, which may be used to treat anabnormal brainwave of the user 3020, to the user 3020 based on receivedinformation about a brainwave of the user 3020, and thus, the abnormalbrainwave of the user 3020 may be treated via the smart glasses 3010-1and control a feeling of the user 3020.

The earphone 3010-2 is inserted into ears of the user 3020 or coversears of the user 3020, and thus, sense physical information about theuser 3020 or a command by the user 3020 via a sensor such as atemperature sensor, an image sensor, or a touch sensor. The ECG/PPGequipment 3010-3 may measure a heart rate of the user 3020 by using anECG/PPG sensor. The belt 3010-4 may include a sensor for measuring awaist size, a respiration rate, or obesity of the user 3020, and mayperform a vibration function or an electrostimulation function fortreating obesity or pain. The band/wristwatch 3010-5 may include asensor related to a body temperature, a heart rate, or sleep managementof the user 3020, atmospheric pressure, ultraviolet rays, oxygensaturation, optics, a gyroscope, a GPS, PPG, ECG, skin conduction, apassometer, or the like, and perform a gas spray function for fendingoff a sexual harasser. The blood glucose level tester 3010-6 may includea sensor for measuring blood glucose of the user 3020. The blood glucoselevel tester may be a noninvasive sensor. The measured blood glucose maybe transmitted to the server 3040 via the smartphone/gateway 125 of theuser 3020.

The thermostat clothes 3010-7 may include a sensor for measuring a bodytemperature or an ambient temperature of the user 3020. The thermostatclothes 3010-7 may compare a given predetermined (or alternatively,desired) temperature to a measured temperature, and thus, control an airconditioning or heating function of the thermostat clothes 3010-7. Thethermostat clothes 3010-7 may be, for example, a diaper or underwear forinfants or adults. The diaper or underwear may include a skin conductionsensor, a temperature sensor, a test paper detection sensor, or ahydraulic pressure sensor, and may sense a state of the user 3020, andthus, indicate a time point when the diaper or the underwear is to bereplaced or perform air conditioning/heating. The diaper or theunderwear may include a cooling pipe and/or a thin hot wire forperforming air conditioning/heating.

The shoes 3010-8 may include a sensor for measuring a weight of the user3020, a pressure on each part of a sole of a foot, a degree of aircontamination in shoes 3020 of the user 3020, humidity, or a smell, aGPS sensor, or the like. Information gathered by the sensor may betransmitted to the server 3040, and the server 3040 may transmitinformation about an alarm indicating posture correction of the user3020, cleaning or replacement of the shoes, or the like to the user3020. The shoes 3010-8 may provide the information directly to the user3020 via an application installed in a user smartphone/gateway 3030.

The necklace 3010-9 is worn round a neck of the user 3020, and includesa sensor for sensing respiration, a pulse, a body temperature, or anamount of exercise, consumed calories, a GPS signal, brainwavemeasurement, voice, EGC, PPG, or the like. The information gathered bythe sensor may be analyzed by the IoT device, or transmitted to theserver 140. The service provider 3050, 3060, or 3070 may provide arelevant service to the user 3020 based on received user information.For example, the necklace 3010-9 may be worn by a pet dog, and sensevoice of the pet dog. Then, a service provider may provide a voicetranslation service based on information obtained by the sensing.Information obtained from the voice translation service may be playedvia a microphone equipped in the necklace 3010-9.

The example embodiment described with reference to FIG. 15 shows usagescenarios about health, smart home, and leisure activities. However,according to example embodiments, the IoT service system 3000 is notlimited thereto, and may be used in various industries. For example, theIoT service system 3000 may provide services such as e-commerce,logistics processing, building management, or the like.

While inventive concepts have been particularly shown and described withreference to example embodiments thereof, it will be understood thatvarious changes in form and details may be made therein withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the following claims.Accordingly, the scope of inventive concepts is determined by the claimsand their equivalents.

What is claimed is:
 1. An electronic device comprising: an internalbattery configured to generate a first power signal; an external batterydetachably attached to the electronic device, the external batteryconfigured to generate a second power signal; a memory configured tooperate based on the first power signal; a plurality of functionmodules, excluding the memory, configured to operate based on the secondpower signal; and an application processor configured to executecomputer readable instructions to operate based on the first powersignal, and control the memory and the plurality of function modules,wherein, even if the external battery is discharged or disconnected fromthe device, the first power signal from the internal battery is providedto the memory to prevent sudden power off of the memory, wherein theapplication processor and the memory are configured to operate in afirst power mode based on the first power signal if the external batteryis discharged or separated from the electronic device, the first powermode corresponding to a low-frequency operation, wherein the applicationprocessor is further configured to execute the computer readableinstructions to measure an elapsed time after the application processorand the memory begin to operate in the first power mode, and wherein theinternal battery is further configured to output the first power signalto at least one function module of the plurality of function modules if(i) the measured elapsed time is equal to or greater than a thresholdtime period, and (ii) a remaining charge of the internal battery isequal to or greater than a threshold first level.
 2. The electronicdevice of claim 1, wherein the application processor and the memoryoperate at a minimum frequency.
 3. The electronic device of claim 1,wherein the application processor is further configured to execute thecomputer readable instructions to, determine a time period for operatingthe memory and the application processor based on a remaining charge ofthe internal battery if the application processor and the memory areoperating in the first power mode, and store data related to operationof the electronic device in the memory if the time period for operatingthe memory and the application processor is less than a threshold timeperiod.
 4. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein the memory includesa volatile memory and a non-volatile memory, and the applicationprocessor is further configured to execute the computer readableinstructions to, load data stored in the non-volatile memory onto thevolatile memory.
 5. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein the memoryand the application processor are configured to operate in a secondpower mode if the external battery is charged or reconnected to theelectronic device, the second power mode is different from the firstpower mode.
 6. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein the externalbattery is configured to charge the internal battery.
 7. The electronicdevice of claim 1, wherein the internal battery is further configuredto, output the first power signal to the memory and at least onefunction module of the plurality of function modules if the externalbattery is discharged or separated from the electronic device.
 8. Theelectronic device of claim 1, further comprising: a power managerconfigured to direct the first power signal to the memory and theplurality of function modules.
 9. The electronic device of claim 1,wherein the electronic device is a mobile electronic device.